Locomotive



l2, 1939. w, E WOODARD 2,183,327

LOCOMOTIVE Filed Feb. 19, 1957 l 4 sheets-sheet 1 NvENTR @ma TM +Mw ATTORNEYS Dec 12 l939- w. EWOODARD 2,183,327

LOCOMOTIV- Filed Feb. 19, 1937 4 sheets-sheet 2 BY Z f A ATTORNEY' Dec. l2, 1939. w. E. wooDARD LOCOMOTIVEY Filed Feb. 19, 1937 -4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR wa? M q' ATTORNEYS De@ 12, 1939. w, E, yvcolgnzmA 2,183,327

` LocoMoTIvE Filed Feb. 19, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Vlllllll, l

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BY /f/ ATTONEY.;

fis

Patented Dec. 12, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT yOFFICE 16 Claims.

Ihis invention relates to locomotives and is more particularly concerned with engine mechanism therefor, especially a novel arrangement of valve motion and other working parts.

One of the outstanding objects of the invention is to provide for the maintenance of more strict and accurate alignment of interconnected working parts, such as the steam distribution valves for the cylinders and the variable cut-off valve motion Vmechanism therefor.

'Ihe invention further has in view the arrangement of a number of devices incorporated in the engine structure as a separately .handleable unit which may be brought to the erecting shop with .virtually all of the operating parts of the engine portion of the locomotive already assembled, this unitary type of structure also being of advantage in repair or rebuilding work.

More specifically the invention contemplates a `cylinder casting for a locomotive incorporating interbracing means for the cylinders, preferably in the form of a deck or web cast integrally therewith and extended rearwardly of the cylinders to serve as a support for a valve motion casing and desirably also as a support for the crosshead guides. It is here noted that various features of this invention, including the arrangement just mentioned, are of especial advantage when employed in combination with a variable cut-off valve mechanism of the character disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 58,504, flled January 10, 1936 (issued November 15, 1938, as Patent No. 2,136,405) in accordance with which operating parts for the steam distribution valves of both cylinders are arranged as a compact unit housed within a casing which is conveniently located intermediate the sides of the locomotive and preferably approximately centrally thereof, in longitudinal alignment with the saddle. The valve gear mechanism unit, in

accordance with the. present invention, is housed and mounted in a casing rigid with, and preferably .cast integrally with, the cylinder and cylinder interbracing structure. Such arrangement is of advantage in providing permanently strict alignment of the several operating parts, including the actuating connections extended between the valve mechanism itself and the steam distribution valves for the two cylinders.

In accordance with another arrangement contemplated, the cylinder, cylinder interbracing and valve motion casing structures are all cast integrally with main frame members for the locomotive, this casting thus constituting a complete engine bed. Substantially all of the engine, driving and running gear parts are thereby maintained in rigid relative alignment.

How the foregoing, together with other objects and advantages, are attained will be more apparent from a consideration of the following descripf tion referring to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the forward portion of a locomotive constructed in accordance with this invention; w

Figure 2 isa top plan view of the forward portion of the cylinder casting, engine frame and portions of the running gear, with some parts shown in horizontal section;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of cer- '15 tain parts of the cylinder casting taken as indicated by the section line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a broken transverse sectional view of portions of the structure shown in Figure 2, this view being taken approximately as indicated by the section lineV4-4 on Figure 2, and

Figures 5 and 6 are views similar respectively, to Figures 2 and 4, but illustrating a modied construction, Figure 6 being taken approximately on the line 6 6 of Figure 5. 25

In Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, the main frame members are designated by the numeral l, these frame members being provided with jaws 8 to receive axles such -as shown at 9 for driving wheels Ill. A leading truck incorporating -wheels II is positioned under the forward extension I2 of the main frame.; 'I'he forward end of the boiler I3 is supported by the saddle I4 constituting a part of the cylinder casting now to be described.

The cylinder and saddle structure includes cylinders I5 and intervening bracing or saddle structure I6 which is extended upwardly, as clearly appears in Figures 3 and 4, to form the saddle It proper for the boiler. 40

The cylinder interbracing structure further includes a deck or web I'i extended generally horizontally from the rear of the saddle structure I6, this deck being provided with depending plates i8 which are spaced from each other and trans- 45 versely braced as at I9 (see Figure 3). 'I'he plates I8 are preferably so spaced as to lie adjacent the inside surfaces 'of the main frame members 'I as is clearly seen in Figure 4, and the deck I'I is provided with lateral extensions 20 50 overlying the upper edges of the main frame members (see Figures 2 and 4) and carrying crosshead guides 2|. The lateral extensions 20 preferably have reinforcing ribs 22 and 23.

For the purpose of mounting and supporting the major portion of the operating parts of the variable cut-on valve motion mechanism, the arrangement provides for the casting of a casing 24 integrally with the deck il and the remainder of the cylinder and saddle structure. As shown in the drawings, the bottom and upstanding walls of the casing structure 2li, as well as the deck l? and ribs 22 and 23, serve to substantially stiffen the casting.

Although many features of the improved cylinder or engine casting are suitable for use with steam distribution valve means and variatie cutoff valve motion mechanism of various types, numerous features o the invention are of especial advantage when use-:l in combination with the type of valve motion discussed in my copending application above referred to, and further with steam distribution valves of the poppet type. While the variable cut-oi valve gear mechanism in said copending application is shown as applied to poppet valves arranged for vertical lifting, the valve arrangement here shown is of the horizontally movable poppet type, and by reference to Figures l, 2 and 4 it will be seen that the engine and cylinder casting includes opposed pairs of inlet and outlet valve chests 25-25 and 'iS- 25 for each cylinder. Steam is delivered from the steam pipes 21 to the admission valves by means of branch pipes 2B--23- he exhaust passages from the chests 2t-2t are desirably extended internally through the saddle structure, portions of these passages being shown at 29 in Figures 2 and 3, the exhaust steam being ultimately delivered to the draft nozzle, not shown.

For the purpose or" actuating the admission and exhaust valves for each cylinder, a cam or other suitable mechanism is associated therewith and preferably positioned between the opposed admission and exhaust valves, a casing for such an actuating mechanism appearing at 36 in Figures 1 and 2. A rock shaft 3l projects from the casing 30 and constitutes the actuating element for the cam mechanism therein.

Various operating parts of the variable cutoff valve mechanism form no part of the present invention per se (the same being fully disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 58,504), but it is to be understood that these parts are mounted and housed in the closed-bottom casing structure 2li which is cast integrally with the cylinder and saddle structure. The actuating connections for the valve mechanism include a rock shaft 32 projecting at each side thereof and actuable by a depending arm the lower end of which is coupled with the crosshead Si?! for the cylinder at that side by means of the crosshead link 35. The crosshead 34 is reciprocated by the piston rod 36a extended into the cylinder for connection with piston 34h.

A rock shaft 36 is coupled by means of arm 3'! and the reach rod 3S with the reverse lever in the locomotive cab, in order to provide for reversai of operation of the engine.

The Connections between the valve motion mechanism and the distribution valves themselves for each cylinder include a roclr shaft 33, arm 6G, link il and arm d2 which is mounted on the rock shaft 3i of the cam actuating mechanism for the valves. Shafts 39 and 32 may be provided with supporting brackets t3, these brackets all being carried on parts of the cylinder casting.

For the purpose of providing convenient access and for facilitating replacement o valve gear parts, a removable cover lil is provided for the casing 24. Preferably the cover'and the casing proper are joined on a line containing the axis of the several projecting rock shafts 32-32, 36 and 39-39. By Virtue of this arrangement, even though the variable cut-ofi valve motion mechanism is maintained in strict alignment with the distribution valves and other operating parts, the valve motion parts may still conveniently be inspected, removed or replaced.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the engine structure, including the cylinders, steam distribution valves, variable cut-ofi valve mechanism, crosshead guides, crossheads and other associated parts, are arranged as a separately handleable unit. As a result, the valve motion mechanism and the valves themselves, together with the interconnections therebetween, may be assembled and adjusted with maximum convenience and then the complete unit brought to the erecting shop for assembly with the main frame, boiler and other parts of the locomotive. Similar advantages are provided in repair or rebuilding work.

With regard to the foregoing, particular attention is called to the fact that employment of the type of variable cut-off mechanism illustrated, specially contributes toward providing the unitary characteristics desired, for the reason that the crosshead linkage constitutes the only actuating connections necessary for operation of the valve mechanism, there being no direct connection thereof to the locomotive wheels. Thus, when assembling the engine unit with the remainder of the locomotive, the only valve gear operating connection required to be made is the reach rod 38 for effecting reversal.

Turning now to the arrangement shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is first pointed out that the variable cut-01T Valve gear mechanism, the steam distribution valves, and the like, are all arranged in essentially the same manner as that described above. In Figures 5 and 6, however, the cylinders, saddle, crosshead guide supports, Valve motion casing, and the like, instead of being cast as a unit separate from the main frame structure of the locomotive, are cast integrally with the main frame structure. As seen in these views, the main frame members 'Iala are, in eiect, combined with the upright plates IB-IS of the engine casting of the form rst described, this diierence appearing clearly from comparison of Figures 4 and 6.

The arrangement of Figures 5 and 6, therefore, provides a complete engine bed serving to rigidly mount and maintain in strict relative alignment not only all of the valve and valve gear parts fully described above, but also the driving axles and the connecting and side rods.

I claim:

1. In a locomotive having a cylinder casting and steam distribution valve means for the cylinders, variable cut-01T valve motion mechanism, including operating parts for actuating the valves of both cylinders arranged as a compact unit, and a closed-bottom casing structure for housing and supporting said mechanism cast integrally with the cylinders in a position to rigidly brace said casting.

2. In a locomotive having cylinders and steam distribution valve means therefor, variable cutoff valve motion mechanism common to both cylinders, a bracing structure interconnecting the cylinders and including a stiffening web, a closed-bottom casing structure for housing and supporting said mechanism carried by said web in position to stiffen the same, and crosshead 75 guides also carried by said web, whereby accurate alignment of the locomotive engine parts is maintained.

3. `In a locomotive having cylinders and steam distribution valve means therefor, variable cutolf valve motion mechanism common to both cylinders, and a closed-bottom casing structure for said mechanism cast integrally with the cylinders and extending rearwardly thereof.

4. In a locomotive having cylinders and an intervening saddle, steam distribution valve means for the cylinders, a variable cut-olf valve motion mechanism, and a closed-bottom casing structure for housing and supporting said mechanism cast with interbracing ribbing integrally with said saddle.

5. For a locomotive, a cylinder casting incorporating a pair of cylinders and interbracing means therefor projecting away from the cylinders at one end thereof and incorporating a closed-bottom casing structure for housing and supporting valve motion mechanism, said structure being configured and positioned to stiften the casting in a plurality of planes.

6. ,For a locomotive, a cylinder casting incorporating a pair of cylinders, an intervening saddle, and bracing webbing for the casting projecting rearwardly of the cylinders and saddle in a generally horizontal plane and incorporating a valve motion casing structure having a closed bottom and upstanding walls serving to stiffen said webbing.

7. A locomotive bed casting including spaced longitudinal frame members, cylinders arranged at one end of the beda saddle interconnecting the cylinders, and generally horizontal bracing means also cast integrally with said bed in position to interbrace the frame members and saddle and incorporating a valve motion casing structure located adjacent said cylinders, formed with an integral closed bottom and having upstanding walls serving to vertically stiffen said horizontal bracing means.

8. For a locomotive having spaced main longitudinal frame members, an engine casting including cylinders and an intervening' bracing structure, the bracing structure extending rearwardly of the cylinders in a generally horizontal plane and incorporating a valve motion casing structure with a closed bottom, and further having depending Wall elements engaging the main framev members, said casing and wall elements being configured to vertically stiffen the casting.

9. In a locomotive having cylinders, pistons, crossheads, steam distribution valve means, and variable cut-off valve motion mechanism; a bracing structure interconnecting the cylinders and cast therewith, a casing for said mechanism, connections for actuating the valve motion mechanism extending from the crossheads to said mechanism, and actuating connections for the steam distribution valve means extending laterally outwardly from said mechanism and thence longitudinally of the locomotive for connection with the distribution valve means, said casing and connections being in large part carried on said bracing structure.

10./ In a locomotive having main framing members, an engine structure separable therefrom and comprising cylinders, crossheads and guides, and bracing means interconnecting the cylinders and guides, variablev cut-off valve motion mechanism driven by said crossheads for actuating the valve means, and a closed-bottom casing structure for said mechanism cast integrally with the cylinders in a position to lie intermediate the main framing members of said locomotive and forming a part of said bracing means, whereby there is provided a rigidly interconnected andV unitary engine structure which is handleable separately from the rest of the locomotive.

l1. In a locomotive having driving Wheels and main framing and steam boiler mounted thereon, a unitary engine structure for actuating said driving wheels, said unit being handleable separately from the boiler, the framing and the driving Wheels, and comprising: cylinders with steam distribution valves therefor, cylinder interbracing structure formed also to interconnect 'said boiler and framing, reciprocating parts including pistons and rods with cross-heads, and variable cut-oir valve motion mechanism actuated solely by said reciprocating parts and coupled to said valves. n

l2. In a locomotive having driving wheels and main framing and steam boiler mounted thereon,

a unitary engine structure for actuating said driving wheels, said unit being handleable separately from the boiler, the framing and the driving wheels, and comprising: cylinders with steam distribution valves therefor, cylinder interbracing structure formed also to interconnect said boiler and framing, crosshead guides, reciprocating parts including pistons and rods* with crossheads working in said guides, and variable cut-off valve motion mechanism actuated solely by said crossheads and coupled to said valves.

13. For a locomotive, an engine casting including cylinders and an intervening integral bracing struct-ure which extends from thence longitudinally of the locomotive and incorporates an integral closed-bottom casing structure, for housing and supporting valve motion mechanism, located in the mid-region and configured to vertically stiften the bracing structure.

14. A locomotive bed casting, adapted to journal the axles of driving wheels positioned at each side thereof, comprising longitudinal framing with integral cylinders and intervening saddle, and a closed-bottom casing structure for housing and suporting valve motion mechanism, said casing structure being formed integrally with said bed, in a location between the planes of the driving wheels and in longitudinal alignment with said saddle, and configured to stiierr said casting both horizontally and vertically.

15. In a locomotive having cylinders, pistons, crossheads, steam distribution valve means, and variable cut-off valve motion mechanism; a bracing structure interconnecting the cylinders and including at least saddle means cast therewith, a casing for said mechanism, connections for actuating the valve motion mechanism extending from the crossheads to said mechanism, and actuating connections for the steam distribution valve means extending laterally outwardly from said mechanism and thence longitudinally of the locomotive for connection with the distribution valve means, said casing and connections being in large part carried on said bracing structure, and a removable top cover forming part of said casing, to give ready access to the mechanism therein.

16. In a locomotive having cylinders, pistons, crossheads, steam distribution valve means, and Variable cut-oif valve motion mechanism; a bracing structure interconnecting the cylinders and including at least saddle means cast therewith, a casing for said mechanism, connections tions being in large part carried on said bracing structure, and a removable top cover forming part of said casing, to give ready access to the mechanism therein, said cover and the casing proper having their adjacent edges meeting on planes 5 containing the axes of said connections.

WILLIAM E. WOODARD. 

